NFL picks and predictions: Week 11
Ten weeks in, the NFL landscape has taken shape. Week 11 gives us a number of intriguing matchups -- most notably the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings facing off with both looking to get back on track, and the Houston Texans traveling to take on the Oakland Raiders on Monday Night Football.
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We picked all of this weekend's games below. Take a gander and let us know where you disagree.
New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers (CAR -3.5)
Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET
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The Panthers' backs are against the proverbial wall, already with six losses and dwelling in the NFC South's cellar. Against the Saints defense, they should be able to stay afloat to improve to 4-6.
Pick: Panthers
Arizona Cardinals vs. Minnesota Vikings (EVEN)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Vegas has this one as a toss-up, with both sides capable but in the middle of a rough stretch. But with Carson Palmer on a bit of an individual hot streak, we like Arizona's offense, so long as David Johnson touches the ball early and often.
Pick: Cardinals
Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals (CIN -2.5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Tyrod Taylor has impressed over the last few weeks, which, coupled with a rock solid rushing game, gives Buffalo a formidable offensive attack. With the Bengals reeking of mediocrity lately, we see Buffalo coming out with a road win.
Pick: Bills
Chicago Bears vs. New York Giants (NYG -7.5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
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The Giants may not be as good as their record implies, but with the Bears coming into town, they'll be improving to a very impressive 7-3.
Pick: Giants
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns (PIT -8)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
A date with the Browns could be exactly what the Steelers need to get back on track. But if this score is at all close, it may be time to panic in Pittsburgh.
Pick: Steelers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Kansas City Chiefs (KC -7.5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
The Chiefs have allowed more than 14 points just three times all season. While the Bucs' offense has been flexing its muscle over recent weeks, Kansas City's defensive corps may be the best the league has to offer.
Pick: Chiefs
Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys (DAL -7)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
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It's a battle between two division leaders, but ones of entirely difference classes. At 5-4, the Ravens have endured a four-game losing streak and benefitted from the futility of its rivals to grab hold of a playoff spot for now. Dallas, however, has been the most consistent consistently dominant team in the conference, and arguably the league.
Pick: Cowboys
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Detroit Lions (DET -6.5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
All of a sudden, the Detroit Lions are in first place. And after watching Jacksonville's season completely derail over the last month, there's no way we can confidently pick them to win this type of road game.
Pick: Lions
Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts (IND -3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
The Titans are making strides, but having alternated wins and losses since Oct. 16, we see that trend continuing in Indy in this battle to stay relevant in the AFC South race.
Pick: Colts
Miami Dolphins vs. Los Angeles Rams (MIA -1.5)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
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Miami has been hitting its stride as of late, with both side of the ball clicking. Jay Ajayi has rushed for 152 yards per game, and against a mediocre Rams run defense, we like his chances.
Pick: Dolphins
New England Patriots vs. San Francisco 49ers (NE -13)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
For the second week in a row, the Niners are two-touchdown underdogs. They actually made it a close one last Sunday against Arizona, but against a Patriots team coming off a rare loss, they won't get so lucky.
Pick: Patriots
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Seattle Seahawks (SEA -6.5)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Coming off their best win of the year, the Seahawks have momentum behind them for a Week 11 matchup with Philadelphia, which is fighting for its postseason lives. At home, though, we don't think it'll be particularly close.
Pick: Seahawks
Green Bay Packers vs. Washington Redskins (WAS -2.5)
Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET
The Packers are at a crossroads, now in third place in the NFC North. It won't be easy facing Washington on the road, but with an abysmal 4-6 record on the line, we expect Green Bay to tough it out.
Pick: Packers
Houston Texans vs. Oakland Raiders (OAK -5.5)
Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET
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In a dog fight to stay on top of a highly competitive AFC West, the Raiders play host to the leaders of arguably the worst division in football. With so much on the line, in primetime, at home, we like Oakland to improve to 8-2.
Pick: Raiders
